The photography of Nick Barkworth has immense power capturing the decrepit beauty of the English seaside town of Blackpool. “Behind The Smiles” is a collection of Nick’s work over a number years assemble for the first time.

‘Behind the smiles’ is a collection of photographs that explores the often less travelled streets that sit behind Blackpool’s ‘Golden Mile’.

Blackpool stands as a testament to a bygone era, where glitz, glamour, and nostalgic charm collide.

While the town may bear the signs of its faded grandeur, it continues to bring in the visitors from near and far, making it a cherished tourist destination. The sandy beaches, though not as bustling as they once were, still offer a retreat for sunseekers, and the seafront arcades evoke a sense of nostalgia and memories childhood of weekend breaks.

A few hundred metres behind the promenade, beyond the vibrant tapestry of Blackpool lies a stark contrast, where the allure of a tourist hotspot is juxtaposed against the realities faced by its residents.

While visitors revel in the nostalgic charm and entertainment on offer, the town’s inhabitants grapple with the harsh realities of living in an economic depression that is felt much more acutely than many areas. The vibrant tourist industry, though a lifeline for the town, often fails to bridge the gap between the visitor experience and the lived reality of the locals.

It is in this space that the photographs which make up this collection are taken. Behind the hotels, behind the amusements, behind the fast food outlets, behind the nostalgia and laughter…….behind the smiles.